The race for NBA Most Valuable Player is pretty much a wrap.

With his 35-point, 15-assist, 9-rebound masterclass on March 9 against the Denver Nuggets, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made it all but a certainty that he would be crowned with the award once more.

That it came on the night when he tied Wilt Chamberlain’s NBA record for consecutive games (126) with at least 20 points only bolsters his late-season argument. And that he won the game with a silky, step back 3 with just 2.7 seconds left added yet another MVP moment to his highlight reel — something voters tend to weigh with significance.

“Tremendous poise, confidence — he doesn’t change his mindset regardless of the circumstance,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said after the 129-126 Thunder victory. “He doesn’t break a sweat.”

If there’s a paradigm of consistency in the NBA, it’s Gilgeous-Alexander. He appears to glide across the floor, unbothered, to get to his spots. He seems to know exactly what defenses will try to do against him.

And as the Thunder have confronted injuries all season long — they rank second in the NBA in games missed and were without three starters (Jalen William, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein) against the Nuggets — it’s Gilgeous-Alexander who is carrying this team to greatness.

Despite the time missed because of injury, the Thunder are 51-15, which is the best record in the NBA.

Just to show how quickly things change: a little more than two weeks ago, after carrying the Pistons to a massive win over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, Cade Cunningham had seized momentum on the national stage.

In fact, I wrote then that Cunningham should be the MVP favorite and would be deserving of the award, if the season ended that day. The season, of course, didn’t, and Detroit has sputtered since that game, losing five of its subsequent nine games.

The Pistons are currently on a four-game losing streak and Cunningham’s play has been slightly uneven in recent weeks.

Realistically, if Cunningham had any edge over Gilgeous-Alexander at the time of that Knicks game (Feb. 20), it was that SGA was at the time sidelined with an abdominal strain.

But in the five games Gilgeous-Alexander has played since returning from the injury that forced him to miss nine games, he’s averaging 30.8 points, 8.4 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game.

By late Monday night, just minutes after Gilgeous-Alexander’s game-winning 3, Fan Duel and Draft Kings each lowered their futures odds for Gilgeous-Alexander winning MVP to -800. That’s a fairly pedestrian figure, especially since he was -275 and -260 in those books, respectively, just one week ago.

Realistically, the only thing that can get in SGA’s way is his health. He has played 54 of a possible 66 games for the Thunder, which means he can miss no more than five through Oklahoma City’s final 16 contests to remain eligible for postseason awards.

“I think with what he has already done, he’s an all-time great,” Thunder center Jaylin Williams told reporters after the game. “He’s just adding onto it. I think every game, every situation, he just continues to impress. When you’re the best in the world, it’s hard to continue to impress. He’s doing it night in and night out.”

‘Tis the season for NCAA tournament bubble teams.

With the 2025-26 men’s college basketball regular season in the books, its time now to look to the conference tournaments. In the 68-team field for March Madness, only 31 conference tournament champions can earn auto berths into the NCAA tournament.

While some teams on the bubble can secure their bids for the Big Dance by winning their respective conferences, there are not enough of those for each of them all to qualify.

Then there are teams that are not even in the conversation for the NCAA tournament that are potentially in line to steal a bid completely by winning their conference tournaments.

Here’s a look at four teams that potentially steal bids from teams on the NCAA Tournament bubble by winning their conference tournaments in the Power Five:

Florida State (17-14, 10-8 ACC)

Florida State has quietly been one of the hottest teams in college basketball over the last couple of months. Following a loss to SMU on Jan. 24, the Seminoles were sitting at a season-worst four games below .500 at 8-12 and just 1-6 in ACC play.

Since that point, FSU has won nine of its 11 games, including three three-game winning streaks in that span. The team has found its footing under first-year coach Luke Loucks, who is following in the footsteps of legendary coach Leonard Hamilton.

Of course, the Seminoles will have their work cut out for themselves to win the conference tournament. FSU earned the No. 8 seed for the tournament and will take on No. 9 California on Wednesday, March 11. If it wins that, it will face No. 1 Duke on Thursday, March 12.

No. 4 North Carolina could potentially await the Seminoles in the semifinals, while No. 3 Miami and No. 2 Virginia are the two teams favored to get in from the other side of the bracket into the championship game.

Oklahoma (17-14, 7-11 SEC)

ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi moved Oklahoma to his ‘next four teams out’ on Sunday, March 8. That’s quite a rise for a program that looked poised to fire coach Porter Moser on Feb. 4, when the Sooners sat at 1-9 in conference play amid a nine-game losing skid.

However, Oklahoma closed out the season with six wins in its final eight games, including a four-game winning streak to close out the regular season. The Sooners have found their footing and could make some noise in the SEC Tournament.

For Oklahoma, a couple of wins in the conference tournament could position it to make the NCAA Tournament — but winning it all would guarantee entry. As the No. 11 seed, the Sooners open the tournament against No. 14 South Carolina.

If they beat the Gamecocks, they play No. 6 Texas A&M and, assuming a win vs. the Aggies, No. 3 Arkansas in the quarterfinals. No. 2 Alabama could await them in the semifinals, if they make it that far. That would likely be enough to get into the NCAA Tournament, but a win against Florida in the championship game would not only lock up a spot, but also help in seeding.

Cincinnati (17-14, 9-9 Big 12)

Following a regular season finale loss to TCU on Saturday, March 7, Cincinnati is in the first four teams out according to USA TODAY Sports’ latest bracketology. However, the Bearcats have shown throughout the regular season they can hang with the best teams in the Big 12 and are a threat to go on a run.

Cincinnati has wins over then-No. 2 Iowa State and then No. 2 Arizona on its resume. Baba Miller ― an FSU transfer ― has lived up to the potential he had coming out of Spain, before having to sit out his freshman season by the NCAA for receiving improper benefits.

The Bearcats will open the Big 12 Tournament against No. 16 Utah on Tuesday, March 10, and must face No. 8 UCF if it advances. No. 1 Arizona would await Cincinnati in the quarterfinals if it were to win that one.

Marquette (12-19, 7-13 Big East)

Marquette is the biggest reach on this list, as the Golden Eagles have underperformed all season. But could Saturday’s 68-62 upset victory over No. 4 UConn could be a sign of things to come?

The victory denied the Huskies the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament, but also set up a potential rematch in the second round, if the Golden Eagles can defeat No. 10 seed Xavier in the first round on Wednesday, March 11 to kick off the tournament.

A team seven games below .500 has likely shown us what its true colors are already. But all you need to do in March Madness is get hot at the right time and win games when they count the most.

It helps that Nigel James Jr. has seemed to play his basketball at the right time. He has averaged 21.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.5 assists over his last six games.

He’s tucked away on Team USA’s World Baseball Classic roster amid Cy Young Award winners and All-Stars.

Yet even as Nolan McLean’s career is just getting started, he’s lined up to take on a significant role for the Americans.

McLean, the New York Mets’ 24-year-old right-hander, has made just eight career major-league starts but might end up getting the ball in the WBC championship game. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa has lined up ace Paul Skenes for the semifinal round, to get the Americans to the championship.

From there, it might be McLean’s turn.

He’s starting Team USA’s fourth pool-play game on Tuesday against Italy, which already will be a significant task as both teams enter undefeated in pool play. So how did such a relative newbie earn such esteem so quickly?

Who is Nolan McLean?

It wasn’t that long ago that McLean was harboring dreams of following in Shohei Ohtani’s footsteps, not Skenes’. The Mets drafted him as a two-way player in the third round out of Oklahoma State in 2023, and he kept the bat in his hands into the 2024 season.

At least until his pitching far out-kicked his hitting.

As McLean’s arm got him to Class AA, making contact became a problem: He struck out 74 times in 143 plate appearances at high A and AA. Pitching it was.

On that side of the ball, he averaged a strikeout per inning, a good thing. And in 2025, he needed just five starts to graduate from Class AA Binghamton up to AAA Syracuse – where he was even better.

As McLean stacked dominant starts at Syracuse, posting a 2.78 ERA across 16 appearances the clamor for him to buttress a Mets rotation gasping for air grew louder. He finally arrived Aug. 16 – and became perhaps the most reliable cog on a Mets team that couldn’t stop a free-fall.

Lest we forget, McLean was originally a three-way player: He was a highly recruited quarterback out of Garner, North Carolina, and on Oklahoma State’s football roster as a freshman. Seems like he picked the best lane.

Nolan McLean stats

Startlingly, his numbers were even better in the National League than the International League. He gave up just 34 hits in 48 innings. Posted a 2.06 ERA, a 57-16 strikeout-walk ratio and 1.04 WHIP.

Oh, and he essentially couldn’t lose.

The Mets won seven of his eight starts, his lone setback a 1-0 defeat to the division champion Phillies. Not that Philly got the best of him: He also spun eight shutout innings against the Phillies at Citi Field, giving up just four hits in his third major league start.

Yes, perhaps the WBC won’t faze him too much.

Nolan McLean pitch repertoire

It usually takes pitchers the better part of a decade to master a half-dozen pitches, the result of endless tinkering, exposure to a wide swath of teammates and greater self-knowledge.

Yet McLean, at 24, might already be there.

He typically pitches off a four-seam fastball that averages 95 mph and has touched 98, along with a power sinker that most often serves as his putaway pitch. Yet his sweeper and curveball play significant roles as well, and gain greater effectiveness thanks to his trusty No. 1 and his daunting sinker.

McLean also throws a cutter, though that for now remains his perpetual workshop pitch, and a changeup.

No, they’re not all perfect weapons. But for a guy to confidently throw that many pitches in a major league setting at such a tender augurs well for when McLean is, say, 30 years old.

Nolan McLean salary

Yep, he’s perhaps the biggest value on both the WBC and star-studded Mets squad.

McLean will make $791,500 this season, the slight raise from the major league minimum of $780,000 a nod to his late-season contribution in 2025. He also figures to be a prime candidate for additional earnings through the pre-arbitration bonus pool that was enacted in the most recent collective bargaining agreement.

And while McLean still has six full seasons via free agency, he and other younger players should keep a wary eye on CBA negotiations and any significant changes to arbitration eligibility or free agency. He received a $747,600 signing bonus after getting drafted in 2023.

Happy new year. Almost.

The ball doesn’t drop on the 2026 NFL league year – officially – until 4 p.m. ET on March 11. But pending free agents began charging their glasses at noon on March 9, when they could legally begin negotiating contracts with outside teams. (Those same players can re-sign with their current employers at any time, and those who have already been released from their present deals can sign wherever they please immediately.) Clubs can also continue putting the framework in place for trades, like Friday night’s blockbuster involving Maxx Crosby’s move from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens, though no transactions on that front can become official until the league year starts.

Got it?

With that in mind, here is the latest iteration of USA TODAY Sports’ list of top 100 NFL free agents in 2026 – it will be updated accordingly as players begin striking it rich − in what is, honestly, something of an uninspiring group overall (^denotes a franchise tag; *denotes a player whose contract was terminated, making him eligible to sign immediately; **denotes a player who’s been informed of his pending release):

Note: Players who re-signed prior to noon ET on March 9, including Chiefs TE Travis Kelce, were removed from the top 100 list.

1. WR George Pickens^

The Dallas Cowboys have already franchised him, Pickens now due a guaranteed $27.3 million for the 2026 season – assuming he signs the tag at some point. Yet he could also still be traded or even potentially sign an offer sheet from another team – which the Cowboys would have the right to match or receive two first-round picks as compensation if they chose not to. But don’t bet on such a bold scenario materializing.

“Very clearly, the Cowboys want George Pickens to be a part of our future,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told a select group of reporters, including USA TODAY Sports’ Jarrett Bell, at the scouting combine.   

Regardless, Jones has a big decision ahead on Pickens, just as he did last year with former Dallas DE Micah Parsons. Pickens is coming off a career year (93 catches for 1,429 yards and 9 TDs, all personal bests) just turned 25 … and may be absent from the team’s offseason program as along as he’s without a long-term extension. Obviously a good fit in Dallas’ offense last season, Pickens isn’t for everyone. But his 2025 effort strongly suggested his production and potential are quickly coming into alignment.

2. C Tyler Linderbaum

Signing with Raiders: 3 years, $81 million ($60 million guaranteed)

Full transparency, he was ranked third in this list’s original version – but his age and ability may render him the richest man to emerge from this year’s free agency cycle. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta revealed at the combine that the team had made Linderbaum “a market-setting offer.” (Creed Humphrey’s four-year, $72 million pact with the Kansas City Chiefs is currently the financial benchmark among centers.) However, DeCosta wasn’t willing to franchise his 25-year-old three-time Pro Bowler because the lofty tag is based on all O-line deals, which would mean paying a center left tackle money. DeCosta is also trying to address QB Lamar Jackson’s contract − he currently carries a cap charge of $74.5 million in 2026 and ’27 – while taking on Crosby’s deal, limiting the team’s financial flexibility to some degree. Now, an immediate (and likely frenzied) bidding war will doubtless commence around Linderbaum.

3. OLB/DE Jaelan Phillips

Signing with Panthers: 4 years, $120 million ($80M guaranteed)

It’s hard to come by untethered edge defenders theoretically entering their prime. But Phillips, 26, could be one of the belles of the FA ball after being acquired by the Philadelphia Eagles at last year’s trade deadline. He finished the season with five sacks and 63 quarterback pressures, per Next Gen Stats. More importantly, he appeared in 17 regular-season games for the first time since 2022 after injuries ruined his following two seasons. Strong against the pass and run, the 6-foot-5, 266-pounder should find a very robust market.

4. DE/OLB Trey Hendrickson

After registering 35 sacks between the 2023 and ’24 seasons, including a league-leading 17½ in the latter campaign, the 31-year-old was limited to seven games by injuries last year − that in the wake of a contentious offseason with the Cincinnati Bengals. Regardless, his services should be in high demand now that he’s going free.

Best fits: Patriots, Colts, Cowboys

5. QB Daniel Jones^

Jones was tagged March 3 − but with a transition tag, not the franchise variety, meaning he is exposed if another team swoops in with an offer the Indianapolis Colts aren’t willing to match (or get compensated for). A torn Achilles last December cut short what had been his best season statistically (238.5 passing yards per game, 100.2 QB rating) to that point. The QB trend du jour that may be forming in the NFL could be finding a reclamation project who won’t necessarily eat up a massive chunk of the salary cap − and Jones, 28, can thank Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield for their ongoing heroics. Hard to believe Indy will allow Jones to gauge his worth with the rest of the league, though … especially when his previous team, the Minnesota Vikings, could suddenly become very interested if he’s not secured soon.

Best fits: Colts, Vikings

6. OLB/DE Odafe Oweh

Signing with Commanders: 4 years, $100 million ($68M guaranteed)

He has 17½ sacks and 98 pressures as a part-time starter over the past two seasons, which were split between the Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers. Heady numbers for a 27-year-old who should be ready for a bigger role … and certainly a larger paycheck.

7. QB Malik Willis

Signing with Dolphins: 3 years, $67.5 million ($45M guaranteed)

He could be this year’s version of Justin Fields − a quarterback with intriguing skills but limited experience who can nevertheless capitalize financially given the high demand but low supply at his incomparably critical position. Willis, 26, has far fewer NFL reps than Fields but really impressed while filling in as a spot starter for the Green Bay Packers the past two seasons, completing nearly 80% of his passes while throwing six TDs and zero INTs. In addition to a gaudy 134.6 passer rating, Willis can also move like a tank. Keep an eye on the Miami Dolphins, who just plucked their new GM (Jon-Eric Sullivan) and coach (Jeff Hafley) from the Pack, as a potential buyer. The Cardinals, too, given new coach Mike LaFleur is the brother of Green Bay HC Matt LaFleur. Willis is another passer who didn’t pan out after he was drafted yet could be a relative bargain now if his limited sample size proves reflective of his long-term prospects.

8. WR Alec Pierce

Re-signed with Colts: 4 years, $114 million ($84M guaranteed)

Similar to Rashid Shaheed, he could be an elite No. 2 receiver in the right system. Unlike Shaheed, he doesn’t bring any special teams value. However Pierce, 25, has led the league in yards per reception each of the past two seasons (21.8 ypc over the duration) and is coming off a breakout year with 47 grabs for 1,003 yards. Pierce should get paid nicely, especially if a prospective employer views him as more of a deep threat.

9. OT Rasheed Walker

He’s been a solid, if unspectacular, starter for the Packers since 2023. But serviceable, 26-year-old left tackles don’t grow on trees and tend to get paid outrageously well − maybe especially so in a year when there aren’t any blue-chip incomers in the draft.

Best fits: Browns, Bears

10. WR/KR Rashid Shaheed

Re-signed with Seahawks: 3 years, $51 million ($34.7M guaranteed)

The big-play ability he flashed for years with the New Orleans Saints translated beautifully − and crucially − when the Seattle Seahawks obtained him last November. Shaheed, 27, seemed like the final piece for the ‘Hawks’ championship puzzle and delivered huge catches and returns in pivotal games down the stretch and in the postseason. However it should be captivating to see what Shaheed can fetch given he’s never been a No. 1 receiver nor averaged 600 receiving yards during his four-year career. Still, his return ability − at a time when the kickoff is becoming an increasingly important component of the game − could really drive up his price tag.

11. TE Kyle Pitts^

The No. 4 overall pick in 2021 − the highest-drafted tight end ever − Pitts, 25, never seemed to fully reach his potential with the Atlanta Falcons, which isn’t completely an indictment of him. But he was a second-team All-Pro in 2025 and did just put together his best season since he was a rookie, catching a career-high 88 passes and five TDs. Pitts could really take off in an offense that truly leverages his estimable abilities … and maybe even has the foresight to feature him in the red zone. He stands to make $15 million under the tag in 2026, though it remains to be seen if new coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense will sustain Pitts’ production.

12. RB Breece Hall^

Though the New York Jets seemingly purged much of their talent at last year’s trade deadline, they hung on to their 24-year-old back. And why not? Hall has averaged 1,260 yards from scrimmage and nearly seven TDs during his four seasons − and for a pop-gun offense. Explosive and an excellent receiver, Hall is the best runner on the market and may yet be a cornerstone for the NYJ as they lay the groundwork to welcome their next franchise QB … eventually. Hall’s 2026 tag is worth $14.3 million.

13. QB Kyler Murray**

He offered a digital goodbye on X amid reports on March 3 that the Arizona Cardinals will be officially releasing the No. 1 overall pick of the 2019 draft. An Offensive Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowler, Murray’s talent has never been in question. But his durability and work ethic have been at issue during his career, and his play plateaued even though former coach Kliff Kingsbury’s offense was supposed to optimize Murray’s abilities. Murray will be 29 when Week 1 rolls around and maybe he becomes the league’s latest successful franchise QB turnaround project if he lands in the right spot. If he doesn’t? His days as a starter could be numbered.

Best fits: Vikings, Jets, Falcons

14. S Coby Bryant

Signing with Bears: 3 years, $40 million

After struggling as a corner earlier in his Seattle career, he’s flourished as a safety the past two seasons − and the 26-year-old should get a nice bump given the league’s other teams always look to raid the most recent Super Bowl champions.

15. LB Devin Lloyd

Signing with Panthers: 3 years, $45 million

A first-rounder of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, he blossomed into a Pro Bowler last season as the team blossomed around him. If the Jags don’t pony up to keep their 27-year-old defensive quarterback, someone will.

16. CB Jaylen Watson

Signing with Rams: 3 years, $51 million ($34M guaranteed)

He’s big (6-2, 197), young (27), still experienced (29 starts) and playoff tested. Watson is coming off his best season but is probably a luxury for the capped-out Chiefs.

17. S Bryan Cook

Signing with Bengals: 3 years, $42.5 million

He’s emerged as a key component of Steve Spagnuolo’s K.C. D in recent years. A steady, reliable player, Cook, 26, should be a stabilizing presence if not one who’s going to make a ton of splash plays.

18. RB Kenneth Walker III

Signing with Chiefs: 3 years, $45 million ($28.7M guaranteed)

The 25-year-old Super Bowl MVP will get a hefty raise in Seattle or elsewhere. But Walker is not the second coming of Saquon Barkley, isn’t as good an every-down player as Hall and has spent most of his career in a platoon. The guess here is that Walker won’t come close to resetting the compensation scale at a position that generally doesn’t command top dollar.

19. WR Jauan Jennings

A 6-3, 212-pounder, the 28-year-old caught 132 balls (15 for TDs) over the past two seasons for the San Francisco 49ers. Jennings’ roots as a quarterback also make him quite a threat on trick plays. He’s also the proverbial dog that some locker rooms covet … and others won’t.

Best fits: Commanders, Raiders, 49ers

20. WR Mike Evans

Signing with 49ers:3 years, $60.4 million

He’ll be 33 by Week 1 and is coming off the worst of his 12 NFL seasons. But 6-5 and 231 pounds don’t fade like speed does, and a healthy Evans (he wasn’t in 2025) should be a dangerous offensive weapon, red-zone monster and top-tier leader again in 2026 − whether it’s for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or someone else.

21. CB Nahshon Wright

Though he’s already 27, he’s hardly a finished product. He’s also a 6-4, 199-pound corner who led the NFL with eight takeaways (5 INTs, 3 fumble recoveries) after becoming a surprise starter (and surprise first-time Pro Bowler) for the Chicago Bears. The upside and production spike are going to make Wright rich.

Best fits: Bears, Seahawks, Cowboys

22. WR Romeo Doubs

He’s 25 with good size (6-2, 204) and has averaged roughly 50 receptions and 600 yards during four years with the Pack, who have widely dispersed their target share in the post-Davante Adams era. Doubs could be far more impactful as a 1A or second option elsewhere.

Best fits: Cardinals, Jets, Titans

23. QB Aaron Rodgers

Last season was his best since 2021, his most recent MVP effort. Hard to imagine the 42-year-old legend playing anywhere besides the Pittsburgh Steelers, who just hired Mike McCarthy, formerly Rodgers’ coach in Green Bay. Again, monitor the Vikings as a possible dark horse.

Best fits: Steelers, Vikings

24. QB Kirk Cousins**

Given the structure of his reworked deal, the Falcons will let him go on March 11. More than a year removed from Achilles surgery, Cousins, 37, looked more like himself last season – after replacing injured Michael Penix Jr. – than he did in 2024. He could be a valued for stopgap for several teams.

Best fits: Browns, Vikings, Jets, Falcons

25. OLB/DE Boye Mafe

Signing with Bengals: 3 years, $60 million

Despite being a rotational player in Seattle, he was still credited with 41 pressures even while playing fewer than half the defensive snaps. Only 27, he’s another who could get a Lombardi raise from an outside suitor.

26. DE/OLB Joey Bosa

He’ll be 31 this season and has a checkered injury history. But Bosa’s 2025 campaign with the Buffalo Bills was his best since 2021. He had five sacks and 43 pressures in 15 games and led the league with five forced fumbles. He’d be wise to find a home where his snaps can be maximized but limited.

Best fits: 49ers, Bills, Titans

27. WR Wan’dale Robinson

Signing with Titans: 4 years, $78 million ($38M guaranteed)

He may be 5-8 and 185 pounds, but the 25-year-old was targeted 140 times each of the past two years with the New York Giants − and posted his first 1,000-yard season in 2025. Robinson isn’t a No. 1 receiver, either − doesn’t mean he won’t heavily impact his next offense.

28. CB Jamel Dean

Signing with Steelers: 3 years, $36.8 million

He was All-Pro-caliber in his seventh season, allowing just 22 completions in 14 games. And Dean is only 29.

29. G David Edwards

Signing with Saints: 4 years, $61 million

Want a highly capable 28-year-old interior offensive lineman whom the Bills probably can’t afford to keep? Then Edwards might be your guy.

30. CB Riq Woolen

He’s a 6-4, 210-pound athletic freak who will be 27 in May. He also lost the starting job he’d held for 3½ years midway through the 2025 season – though that’s at least partially due to Seattle’s embarrassing riches of talent, and Woolen remained a significant contributor. He’ll be a starter elsewhere soon … and a well-compensated one.

31. RB Travis Etienne

Signing with Saints:4 years, $52 million

He rebounded from a miserable 2024 to rack up 1,399 yards from scrimmage and a career-best 13 TDs for the AFC South champion Jags. Etienne, 27, may not be an every-down back, but he’s a highly capable receiver who should always be on the field during high-leverage situations.

32. DL Dre’Mont Jones

Signing with Patriots: 3 years, $39.5 million

Physically imposing at 6-3 and 281 pounds, he can be a valuable end for teams that favor 3-4 fronts. Traded to the Ravens midway through last season, the 29-year-old had his best year – actually appearing in 18 games (no bye due to the trade) and finished with seven sacks and 55 pressures, both the best of his seven-year career.

33. CB Cor’Dale Flott

Signing with Titans: 4 years, $45 million ($32M guaranteed)

He’ll be 25 at the beginning of next season and has shown steady improvement over the past two years with the Giants – allowing just two TD passes while starting 24 of 28 games over that span.

34. QB Tua Tagovailoa**

Signing with Falcons

At his best, an accurate, affable, Pro Bowl-caliber passer … but also one with a troubling concussion history along with limited arm strength and mobility, all while coming off a poor season when he started 14 games. Quite a conundrum, albeit one who won’t cost his next team more than the veteran minimum.

35. LB Bobby Wagner

He doesn’t play a premium position, and he’s 35 – not that you’d know it. A great leader and great guy who should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he’s done, championship-aspiring teams should be lining up to sign him.

36. OL Alijah Vera-Tucker

Signing with Patriot: 3 years, $42 million

An immensely talented player who was the 14th overall pick by the Jets in 2021, he can excel pretty much anywhere on the line … provided he can play. Vera-Tucker has played more than seven games twice in his career and missed all of last season with a triceps injury.

37. OLB/DE Bradley Chubb**

After missing the entire 2024 season while recovering from a torn ACL, the 29-year-old had 8½ sacks and 54 pressures for Miami in 2025. The two-time Pro Bowler should be even better in 2026.

38. S Jaylinn Hawkins

He really hit his groove with the New England Patriots in 2025, his sixth year but third team, picking off four passes – doubling his career total entering the season. Other teams tend to love 28-year-olds who just played in the Super Bowl.

39. DL John Franklin-Myers

Signing with Titans: 3 years, $63 million ($42 million guaranteed)

A 29-year-old who’s done a lot of the dirty work during his career, he collected a career-best 7½ sacks for the Denver Broncos in 2025. Franklin-Myers, who’s mostly played in three-man fronts, has averaged 43.2 pressures since 2020.

40. TE Isaiah Likely

Signing with Giants: 3 years, $40 million

He’s 25 and extraordinarily talented. But 2025 was also his least productive season, partially derailed by a foot injury early in the year. But it was notable the Ravens chose to extend TE Mark Andrews, who’s five years older than Likely, in December.

41. G Zion Johnson

Signing with Browns: 3 years, $49.5 million ($32.4M guaranteed)

A first-rounder in 2022, he was decidedly average for the Chargers. But a lot of teams would take decidedly average if it’s available for 1,000-plus snaps per season, as Johnson has been. Still only 26, we’ve moved him up this list given the premium on blocking – and while other players like Cincinnati G Dalton Risner and Buffalo C Connor McGovern re-signed early.

42. RB Tyler Allgeier

Signing with Cardinals: 2 years, $12.3 million

He was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2022 … the year before Bijan Robinson arrived in Atlanta. Yet Allgeier, 25, still averaged nearly 750 yards from scrimmage and five TDs over the next three seasons in a valuable secondary role to Robinson.

43. LB Devin Bush Jr.

Signing with Bears: 3 years, $30 million ($21M guaranteed)

A first-round pick of the Steelers in 2019, the 27-year-old has come into his own the past two years in Cleveland, his third NFL team.

44. WR Stefon Diggs**

He was a big reason the Patriots reached the Super Bowl, finishing with 85 catches and more than 1,000 yards the season after he suffered a torn ACL. However Diggs will turn 33 next season, and his pending legal issues will give any team some level of pause.

45. S Jalen Thompson

Signing with Cowboys: 3 years, $33 million

Only 27, he’s quietly been Budda Baker’s backline partner in crime for seven years in Arizona.

46. OT Braxton Jones

Re-signed with Bears

A series of injuries starting late in the 2024 season waylaid him, but he was a reliable left tackle for the Bears for the three years up to that point. Jones turns 27 next month and should have a lot of good football left in him.

47. DL Calais Campbell

Even at 39, he continues to be a phenomenal player and leader – one who remarkably hasn’t missed a game since 2022.

48. G Teven Jenkins

A second-round pick in 2021, he’s more than solid inside but can also shift out to tackle in a pinch.

49. CB Cobie Durant

The 28-year-old has allowed a 54% completion rate on passes thrown in his direction the past two years as a full-time starter for the Rams.

50. C Cade Mays

After taking over the pivot in Carolina last year, the 26-year-old could find himself enriched as the Linderbaum consolation prize somewhere.

51. LB Nakobe Dean

Signed with Raiders: 3 years, $36M ($20M guaranteed)

He’s little more than a year removed from suffering a torn patellar tendon in the 2024 playoffs and it impacted his ’25 campaign. The Eagles could get a bargain if they can get the 25-year-old, who played 10 games last season, back for at least one more year.

52. RB Rico Dowdle

Signed with Steelers: 2 years, $12.25 million

He has 2,701 yards from scrimmage while splitting the last two years between Dallas and Carolina. A tough runner who’s only 27, his production really tailed off in the second half of last season after an explosive October.

53. S Kevin Byard

A three-time All-Pro, he led the league with seven INTs in 2025, and his 36 picks are the second most among active players. Byard will be 33 in August but still clearly has gas left in the tank.

54. LB Leo Chenal

He’s started 44 games during his four-year career with the Chiefs, but 2025 was the first time he was on the field for more than half the snaps – and barely then (53.2%). Only 25, Chenal is an exceptional athlete who could shine given the opportunity to play more for another team – though he probably needs to factor more as a pass rusher.

55. CB Alontae Taylor

Signing with Titans:3 years, $60 million

He’s not a shutdown guy. He is 27, largely lives in the slot and is extremely durable − all traits that will make him valuable.

56. DE Kwity Paye

Signing with Raiders:3 years, $48 million ($32 million guaranteed)

Reliable if unspectacular, the 27-year-old has started 74 games since being a first-round pick of the Colts in 2021. Paye has 30½ career sacks, at least 40 pressures in each of the past three seasons and defends the run well enough.

57. OT Jermaine Eluemunor

Re-signed with Giants: 3 years, $39 million ($26M guaranteed)

A fifth-rounder in 2017, he’s been better than average during his career and has become an especially good pass blocker in recent years – starting 62 games since 2022.

58. S Jaquan Brisker

Not a lot of flash, but a 26-year-old who started in Chicago for four years can stabilize the back end of a defense.

59. DE-OLB Al-Quadin Muhammad

He’s nearly 31 but picked the right time to have a career season – registering 11 sacks and 59 pressures for the Detroit Lions in 2025, by far personal bests. TBD how much his outlier season and age will allow Muhammad to cash in.

60. G Isaac Seumalo

Signing with Cardinals: 3 years, $31.5 million

A decade into his career, Rodgers sung his praises last season. Seumalo, 32, won’t get Linderbaum-level money … but he likely won’t be waiting long for a new deal, either.

61. WR Deebo Samuel

He’s a big name. He’s also 30, isn’t a polished receiver and has averaged fewer than 900 yards from scrimmage over the past four years in what’s largely a play-making role. He has handled kickoffs the past two years, a factor that boosts his value.

62. RB Rachaad White

He had more than 1,500 yards from scrimmage for the Bucs in 2023 but was overtaken on the depth chart by Bucky Irving in 2024. But White, 27, who’s also averaged more than 50 receptions during his four-year career, should find a significant role elsewhere.

63. TE Dallas Goedert

He’s 31 but also coming off one of his best seasons, his 11 TDs and 60 catches in 2025 both career highs. Blocking isn’t the longtime Eagle’s forte … the “Tush Push” notwithstanding.

64. NT Khyiris Tonga

Tough to find 6-2, 335-pounders who eat space and stress pockets. Tonga, 29, did it well for New England in 2025, playing a career-high 322 snaps.

65. S Alohi Gilman

Signing with Chief: 3 years, $24.75 million ($15M guaranteed)

Traded for Oweh last October, Gilman did a nice job in Baltimore – his ability to line up just about anywhere making him a nice complement to Kyle Hamilton.

66. DL Logan Hall

A 6-6, 283-pounder who was a second-round pick of the Bucs in 2022, he can eat up a lot of snaps and should be able to do so in even or odd fronts.

67. WR Jalen Nailor

Signing with Raiders: 3 years, $35 million ($23M guaranteed)

His numbers would probably be much more impressive had he not been stuck behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in Minnesota. Still, Nailor, 26, had 47 first downs and 10 TDs over the past two seasons and has averaged 15.4 yards per catch during his four-year career.

68. TE Chig Okonkwo

An oversized receiver at 6-3 and 238 pounds, maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise he doesn’t block much. But Okonkwo, 26, had his best season in 2025 with 56 receptions for 560 yards.

69. DE/OLB Jadeveon Clowney

Something of a mercenary at age 33, the No. 1 pick of the 2014 draft had 8½ sacks and 38 pressures for the Cowboys last season despite playing about half of his typical snap count. He can also still set a nice edge.

70. RB J.K. Dobbins

Re-signed with Broncos: 2 years

Durability has always been the issue, and a foot injury limited him to 10 games in Denver last season. Yet Dobbins, 27, was averaging a career-best 77.2 rushing yards per game before going down.

71. DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson

He’s 28, versatile and knows how to get underneath an opponent’s skin … though that’s also sometimes true of his own teams, too.

72. LT Taylor Decker**

He’ll be 33 at the start of the 2026 season but good luck finding a better stopgap guy to man the blind side.

73. G Kevin Zeitler

He’ll be 36 next month. Otherwise? Still plug and play – at a very high level.

74. CB Josh Jobe

Re-signed with Seahawks: 3 years, $24 million

He doesn’t have Woolen’s physical gifts, but Jobe emerged as a consistent starter on Seattle’s defense – yet probably won’t command nearly as much as dough as his (in all likelihood) soon-to-be former teammate.

75. OLB/DE K’Lavon Chaisson

He finally showed why he was a first-round pick six years ago, providing 7½ sacks and 52 pressures – both career highs – during his first season with the Patriots. The 6-3, 255-pounder has to be in the right system but should have plenty of time to flourish in an ideal environment given he’s only 26.

76. OLB Arden Key

Signing with Colts: 2 years, $20 million ($11M guaranteed)

A slightly older, slightly slighter version of Chaisson, Key does own 27½ sacks and more than 200 pressures since 2021.

77. CB Rasul Douglas

He bounced back nicely after a rough 2024 campaign in Buffalo. A big (6-2, 209) corner with 21 career picks shouldn’t be unemployed for long, even at 30.

78. RB Kenneth Gainwell

Signing with Buccaneers: 2 years, $14 million

He was the Steelers’ MVP last season, when he had a career-high 187 touches and career-best 1,023 yards from scrimmage – along with a personal best eight TDs. Soon to be 27, Gainwell could be a perfect addition for an offense that favors a running back by committee approach.

79. TE David Njoku

He’s still a physical marvel at 29, good for around 50 grabs, 600 yards and a handful of TDs annually. And unlike a lot of tight ends nowadays, he’s also effective in-line as a blocker.

80. TE Cade Otton

Re-signed with Buccaneers

He averaged 59 catches and nearly 600 yards over the past two seasons in Tampa. Decent blocker.

81. DT DJ Reader

Even at 31, the 6-3, 330-pounder can still crush a pocket – especially if his snaps are used judiciously.

82. TE Jonnu Smith*

He had a career year for Miami in 2024, but his numbers plummeted in Pittsburgh’s tight end-heavy offense in 2025. But Smith is only 30 and should find a soft landing somewhere.

83. WR Brandon Aiyuk**

He was a 1,300-yard receiver in 2023. He tore up his knee in 2024. He didn’t play in 2025 and basically ghosted the 49ers, leading the team to void $27 million of Aiyuk’s guaranteed money. His talent and behavior will make for quite the cost-benefit analysis for potentially interested teams.

84. OLB/DE Arnold Ebiketie

He’s 27 and has shown the ability to get to the quarterback (130 total pressures) during his four-year career. But he hasn’t proven he can be any more than rotational defender with only 12 starts to his credit.

85. OT Braden Smith

He’s started 105 games in eight seasons for the Colts but has missed 16 over the past three seasons and has battled a severe obsessive-compulsive disorder.

86. WR Keenan Allen

He’ll be 34 in April but still moves the sticks, 49 of his 81 catches for the Chargers going for first downs last season.

87. CB Eric Stokes

Re-signed with Raiders: 3 years, $30 million ($20M guaranteed)

A first-rounder of the Packers in 2021, he played for the Raiders last year and had his best season since he was a rookie.

88. LB Kaden Elliss

A tackling machine in Atlanta, where the 30-year-old averaged more than 125 stops over the past three seasons, Elliss is also a very effective blitzer.

89. LB Tremaine Edmunds*

Signing with Giants: 3 years, $23.7 million

He’s 27 and the two-time Pro Bowler has never had fewer than 100 tackles during his eight-year career.

90. LB Alex Singleton

Re-signed with Broncos: 2 years, $15.5 million ($11M guaranteed)

He’s 32 but has averaged more than 100 tackles over the past six years and can quarterback a defense.

91. LB Alex Anzalone

Signing with Buccaneers: 2 years, $17 million

He’s 31 but has averaged more than 100 tackles over the past four years and can quarterback a defense.

92. TE Charlie Kolar

Signing with Chargers: 3 years, $24.3 million ($17M guaranteed)

He’s only got 41 catches in four seasons but is a hellacious blocker − and thus a potential asset at a time when more teams seem to be going to more tight end-heavy looks.

93. WR Marquise Brown

He’s only caught more than 70 passes once during his seven-year career, but his speed remains a force multiplier.

94. DE/OLB Cameron Jordan

His 10½ sacks in 2025 were his most in four years. Hard to imagine the 36-year-old playing a 16th season anywhere but New Orleans, but he seems to have more to give.

95. RB Brian Robinson

His touches were down while backing up Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco, but the 26-year-old Robinson still has plenty of tread on the tires and should be a nice addition to a rotation somewhere.

96. OLB Von Miller

He’s about to turn 37, yet he’s transitioned into a highly effective situational pass rush specialist – the former Super Bowl MVP racking up 15 sacks and 67 pressures over the last two years, that despite starting just three games.

97. LB Demario Davis

Signing with Jets: 2 years, $22 million ($15M guaranteed)

Now 37, hard to imagine this longtime mainstay in the middle of any other defense but New Orleans’.

98. LB Lavonte David

Now 36, hard to imagine this longtime mainstay in the middle of any other defense but Tampa Bay’s.

99. QB Geno Smith**

After a late-career surge in Seattle, last season, he resembled the player who struggled so mightily early in his career, serving up a league-most 17 interceptions for the Raiders in 2025. Now 35, Smith might be a better bridge option than another fading passer like Russell Wilson, but his most recent film isn’t likely to earn him another lengthy QB1 shot.

100. WR Tyreek Hill*

HOUSTON — If this were a year ago, Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal would be staying with Team USA and available to pitch in the potential World Baseball Classic championship game.

If this were next year, and Skubal was already signed to the richest pitching contract in baseball history, he wouldn’t have a second thought about staying around.

But this is 2026, and after two sleepless nights and emotional conversations with virtually every USA teammate, and heart-to-heart talks with agent Scott Boras and future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander, Skubal stuck with his original plan.

He’s leaving Team USA on Tuesday to rejoin the Tigers in Lakeland, Florida and will return only as the biggest cheerleader if they advance to the semifinals and finals in Miami.

“Obviously, when I got here,’ he said, “my emotions kind of changed a little bit. My thought process changed a little bit. I tried to make it work, but just couldn’t.

“I hate it.’

When asked if he was at peace with the decision, he shook his head.

“No,’ he said, “I’m still not. The only way I’ll be at peace with it is in Miami after we win the whole [expletive] thing. It’s a tough decision, you know. It’s hard. It’s really hard. I’ve been trying to make it work.

“I love America. I love our country. I love everything that this tournament’s about.’

Simply, with a $400 million-plus payday awaiting him, along with the pitching schedule not lining up for him to start opening day for the Tigers, he couldn’t let his emotions overcome his judgement.

“I think the resounding message from all of the guys was, ‘Make sure to take care of yourself and your family,” Skubal said. ‘We support you no matter what happens.’ I appreciate that because these are the guys you want to go to war with. These guys grind. They care. I love it.

“The preparation has been unbelievable to watch and push myself to be a better version of myself, so that’s something that I’ll take for the rest of my life.’

Skubal also was provided plenty of research from Boras and his staff showing that arm injuries typically happen in spring training, and right after the All-Star break. The idea of risking an injury that could derail his massive payday was too great to ignore.

“A lot of that risk and injury stuff is kind of where I drew the line of like, ‘there’s a lot of risk associated in that,’’ Skubal said, “and then you put in the adrenaline … there’s just a big jump in workload.

“Just being smart. Obviously, I know what the season means, too.’

Team USA will now stick with its original plan of having NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes pitch in the semifinal game, with New York Mets’ second-year starter Nolan McLean pitching the potential championship game.

“We were always under the assumption that he was going to leave after pool play’’ USA manager Mark DeRosa said. “I know that kind of got clouded a little bit because getting on the mound in the USA jersey, being in the room with these guys, is special.’

DeRosa talked with Skubal for about 45 minutes during their workout Sunday, but his coaches and teammates wanted to give Skubal room to make up his own mind.

“I can’t be the reason they’re sitting in the room,’’ DeRosa said. “That’s just too much. I would be worried about every pitch he throws. I know what’s at stake for him. I’m over the moon he decided to show in the first place for us and take the ball for us. I think it meant a lot to a lot of guys in that room. We know where his heart is. If he was in a different situation, he wouldn’t be leaving.

“But I also understand that 99.9% of the guys, if given his ability to get to free agency and just generational wealth on the table, and everything he’s got in front of him, a chance to win three Cy Youngs in a row. … I was proud that he even showed for us.’

There wasn’t a single player on Team USA that voiced any disappointment that Skubal is departing as originally planned.

“Tarik’s awesome, awesome human being, awesome player, one of the best pitchers in the world,’ USA third baseman Alex Bregman said. “And we kind of all understand the situation that he’s in. Whatever decision he was going to make, we fully have his back.

“We were thankful that he even showed up to pitch a single inning for us. We know where his heart is. We know how tough a decision it is to make.’

Skubal, who spoke to the Tigers and USA officials who were all on board with the original plan of pitching once for about 50 pitches, but the plan became muddled once he started hanging around his teammates, putting on the USA jersey and taking the mound Saturday against Great Britain.

The experience was nothing like he possibly envisioned.

“It blew it out of the water,’ he said. “I had no idea. I just assumed it would be like an All-Star Game type of vibe, and it’s absolutely not. It couldn’t be further than that. …

“It was awesome. I loved it. It makes you really proud to be an American.’

Skubal realizes he can’t control the narrative for those upset or angry he’s leaving the team, but is comforted by his teammates’ support, knowing that if they were in his situation with that payday awaiting, most would be making the same decision.

“They understand how badly I want to keep competing and keep playing with this team,’ he said. “I respect everybody here and I respect everybody in Lakeland. I think that feeling is mutual. So it means a ton, you know.

“I really care about what my peers say, and the fact that my peers have my back, it means the world to me.’

The World Baseball Classic enters a decisive day Tuesday, March 10 with the group finale for some of the top contenders and spots in the quarterfinals to be secured.

Japan faces Czechia in the early in the game (6 a.m. ET) looking to finish undefeated in pool play. In the evening, Puerto Rico and Canada face off at 7 p.m. ET before Team USA (3-0) faces Italy (2-0) with the chance to clinch the top spot in Pool B.

The Netherlands and Israel also face off in Miami, but both teams have already been eliminated with the Dominican Republic and Venezuela assured quarterfinal spots from Pool D.

Here’s a look at today’s slate:

Buy 2026 WBC tickets

World Baseball Classic scores on March 10

Stream the World Baseball Classic on Fubo

• 6 a.m. – Czechia vs. Japan, Tokyo (Tokyo Dome) on FS1
• 7 p.m. – Canada vs. Puerto Rico, San Juan (Hiram Bithorn Stadium) on Tubi
• 7 p.m. – Israel vs. Netherlands, Miami (LoanDepot Park) on FOX One
• 9 p.m. – Italy vs. USA, Houston (Daikin Park) on FS1

World Baseball Classic tiebreakers, WBC format

The 20 teams are divided into four groups. They are:

• Pool A (San Juan): Puerto Rico , Panama , Cuba , Canada , Colombia
• Pool B (Houston): United States , Mexico , Italy , Great Britain , Brazil
• Pool C (Tokyo): Japan , South Korea , Australia , Czechia , Chinese Taipei
• Pool D (Miami): Venezuela , Netherlands , Dominican Republic , Israel , Nicaragua

Teams play one game each against the other four teams in their pool. The top two teams from each pool advance to the knockout rounds in Houston and Miami. Teams are re-seeded after the quarterfinals.

Teams that remain tied in the standings following round robin play will be seeded based on the following criteria:

• Head-to-head performance between the teams who are tied
• Fewest runs allowed divided by the number of defensive outs recorded in the games between the tied teams
• Fewest earned runs allowed divided by the number of defensive outs recorded in the games between the tied teams
• Highest batting average in games between the tied teams.
• Drawing of lots conducted by WBCI

Pool play games will occur from March 4 to March 11. Quarterfinals begin on March 13. The semifinals begin March 15.

The championship game is set for March 17 in Miami.

The 2026 NCAA Tournament hasn’t started yet, but the men’s college basketball coaching carousel is already spinning.

As of Monday, March 9, three jobs are already open — Kansas State, Georgia Tech and Boston College — with Arizona State and Providence reportedly set to follow. They aren’t blue-blood jobs, but some of them should be intriguing to potential candidates, while others are a daunting task to take.

As Power coaching positions become more available, here’s a ranking of them from being great opportunities to tough jobs.

1. Kansas State

The best coaching job available in the country is one of the first ones that opened up. Kansas State isn’t the basketball power in-state rival Kansas is, but the Wildcats do have their own pedigree that makes it desirable.

The Wildcats have shown money isn’t an issue, whether its spending on the staff or roster. Being in the upper half of available resources will be attractive to candidates.

There’s enough history to show it won’t be impossible to succeed in Manhattan. Jerome Tang took Kansas State to the Elite Eight just three years ago and the past three coaches have reached that stage of March Madness at least once. The only downside is there’s the immediate expectation to contend in a crowded Big 12, but everything is available to do it.

2. Georgia Tech

It feels like ages ago Georgia Tech was 40 minutes away from a national championship in 2004. It’s only won two games in four NCAA Tournament appearances since.

What’s been the problem is the entire college basketball world ran past the Yellow Jackets while it stood still. It hasn’t poured funds toward the program, Damon Stoudamire didn’t adapt and it led to some down times for a team that shouldn’t be as bad as it’s been. It does have history it can lean on, and is right in a major hotbed for talent in Atlanta. Its next coach would need to make that a priority to keep local talent close.

3. Arizona State

Bobby Hurley couldn’t get the Sun Devils acclimated to the Big 12, winning just 11 conference games in two seasons, leading to his potential departure after 11 seasons in Tempe.

The Arizona Republic reported two people close to the ASU program said the news of Hurley’s exit was ‘premature.’

Hurley is at the end of his contract, and the school did not offer an extension, leaving his future in limbo for the 2025-26 season. That is usually a sign that the school intends to move on.

Tempe has been a tough place to coach, with no Sweet 16 appearance since 1995. Its in-state rival Arizona is a major player, and the Big 12 move only made it harder to navigate. However, there are pieces that make it possible to get out of the shadow of the Wildcats.

First, the location is a major bonus, in a top market that can generate revenue. The athletic department has shown an investment in sports — largely football and women’s basketball — and a reset is what men’s basketball needs. The fan support is pretty solid for a middling program, and would explode with actual success. Look no further than the excitement Molly Miller has generated on the women’s side.

Even though Arizona State hasn’t been to the tournament since 2023, there’s plenty available for the next coach to find some success it has been seeking since the turn of the century.

4. Providence

It’s always interesting to see how schools where college basketball is king handle searches, especially in the Big East. Providence will reportedly be on the hunt again, trying to get itself out of the bottom half of the conference.

The Friars aren’t major title contenders, but they have history that shows it can be a successful program, evident in the 2022 Sweet 16 run. NCAA Tournament spots should be consistent. Providence is 47-51 in English’s three seasons. When you have rivals like Connecticut, St. John’s and Villanova miles ahead, it makes it very difficult to climb the standngs.

The money appears to be there for the Friars, and they have a loyal fan base that makes things a bit easier for a new coach. You just can’t help but wonder if it’s going to be a multi-year task to get back to the expected contending level.

5. Boston College

It is quite the task to be in charge at Boston College.

The Eagles haven’t been much of a contender in nearly two decades. Their last NCAA Tournament appearance was in 2009, one of the longest droughts of any Power conference school. Basketball hasn’t been a priority in Chestnut Hill. There aren’t NIL funds or huge amounts of money coming in for staff. There’s also the added task of having to get people to just show up to games, as Conte Forum often resembles a ghost town.

If there’s one positive, Boston College is still in the ACC so that should draw some interest. But it comes with a major warning label: It doesn’t get much tougher than this.